Human resources (HR) can be likened to a compass used for navigation. They both provide direction, guidance, and support in order to steer others toward a goal. They help people navigate various challenges and changes while staying on course regardless of the ever-changing landscape before them.
Though it sounds purposeful, is human resources a good career choice? What does human resources do? And how does one begin a career in this field? For answers to such questions and much more, read on as we dive deep into all there is to know about HR.
What Does Human Resources Do?
HR is a field of study and practice within the business and management domain. In an organization, the HR team focuses on the personnel and encompasses a range of functions related to managing them. These functions include:
- recruitment and selection of new team members,
- overseeing employee training and development,
- administration of compensation and benefits,
- dealing with employee concerns,
- ensuring their compliance with the company laws and regulations,
- managing the process of employees leaving the organization,
- keeping employee records,
- organizing employee engagement initiatives,
- fostering positive working relationships, and more.
Why Human Resources Is a Good Career
If you enjoy working with people, making a positive impact in the workplace, and have good organizational skills, then a career in Human Resources could be ideal for you. Below we’ll explore some of the reasons why HR is a good career choice for aspiring professionals.
High earning potential
A career in the field of human resources offers excellent earning potential. According to recent data, as of May 2023, the estimated pay for HR professionals is $64,435 per year.
However, as you gain experience and advance in your career, you will have opportunities for an increased salary. In fact, based on experience, you can expect to earn around:
- $61,724 per year for up to one year of experience
- $67,906 per year for one to three years of experience
- $75,172 per year for four to six years of experience
- $82,471 per year for seven to nine years of experience
- $91,520 per year for ten to fourteen years of experience
- $105,675 per year for fifteen or more years of experience
Work with people
An HR career also allows you to work closely with people. As an HR professional, you will serve as a bridge between the organization’s management and the employees by fostering a positive relationship and creating a supportive work environment. This role is crucial for organizations related to recruiting, developing, and supporting employees throughout their career journeys.
It is very diverse
Pursuing a career in HR presents various opportunities—there are many roles and responsibilities related to the field, thus, providing plenty of job prospects for specialization and career growth.
So, whether you are interested in the recruitment process, want to be more involved with employee development, or prefer to deal with labor relations, strategic HR planning, or something else, there is a niche within the field to suit your interests and skills. The career’s diversity will help you find the area you best fit in.
Professional advancement
HR has significant potential for career growth and increased responsibility. You can easily progress to higher-level positions within the HR department by pursuing higher education, obtaining relevant certifications, and gaining practical experience. You may even transition to executive leadership roles.
It is no longer just administrative
Human resources, formerly recognized as personnel administration, has undergone a substantial transformation. It is no longer solely tied to administrative duties. In the present day, HR professionals have become strategic partners who play a pivotal role in helping shape organizational culture, develop talent strategies, drive employee engagement initiatives, and ensure compliance with employment laws. All in all, HR presents an exciting and dynamic career path.
Job outlook
As organizations continue to recognize HR’s importance in evolving workplace dynamics, the demand for professionals in the field also continues to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for HR specialists is estimated to be 8% from 2021 to 2031. This percentage is higher than the national average and will result in 58,800 new job openings.
How to Begin a Career in Human Resources
If you are interested in having a career as an HR professional, here are some steps you can take to begin your journey:
- Acquire education: A relevant degree will provide a strong foundation. Therefore, consider obtaining a bachelor’s degree from an HR program or related fields like business administration or industrial-organizational psychology. Furthermore, pursuing certifications like PHR or SHRM-CP can help enhance your credentials.
- Gain experience: Expanding your expertise through internships, part-time jobs, or even volunteer opportunities will be highly beneficial for you. Such experiences will help you develop crucial skills you can use later on.
- Network, network, network: Networking is essential in any career, including HR. You can benefit significantly from attending industry events, joining HR associations, and connecting with professionals in the field. Such engagement will show your commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends.
Different Job Roles in HR
Human resources offers various job roles that contribute to the organization’s workforce. From coordinating HR operations to overseeing employee relations and recruitment, below are just some of the many paths you can follow within the HR field.
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Human resources coordinator
As a human resources coordinator, you would assist the HR managers in various HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, employee record maintenance, and administrative tasks. Such a role is generally an entry-level position and offers a salary of $47,728 per year.
Human resources manager
HR managers supervise the entire human resources department and are responsible for developing and enforcing strategies aligned with the organization’s goals. The average salary for an HR manager is estimated to be $71,332 per year.
Recruiter
Recruiters are in charge of finding, attracting, and selecting qualified candidates to fill job vacancies within the organization. They deal with job postings, applications, and interviews. The average salary of recruiters in the US is $53,515 per year.
Employee relations specialist
Employee relations specialists handle employee grievances and guide employee-related policies and procedures. They are also the ones who intervene when there are employee conflicts. The average salary of an employee relations specialist is $64,342 per year.
The Bottom Line
Human Resources is an incredibly awesome career path if you are passionate about working with people and interested in contributing to an organization’s success. Thanks to its competitive salaries, diverse job opportunities, and the prospect of professional growth, HR offers a fulfilling and rewarding career path.
With education, certifications, practical experience, and sheer determination, you can build a successful career in HR. So, take the first steps in joining this lucrative field and become your organization’s compass.